Τhe level of Cyprus’ public administration is above the European average, said Monday European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros, after meeting with Cypriot Ombudswoman Eliza Savvidou, during his visit to Cyprus on the occasion of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council.

"I have the impression that the Republic of Cyprus has a serious public administration that sufficiently responds to its needs. When I compare it with the other 27 EU countries, I would say it is somewhere above average," he said.

Pointing out that the institution of Ombudsman in Cyprus, established in 1991, is older than the same institution in Greece, Diamantouros said that he feels that the institution has developed, something reflected in a government decision to assign many new competences to the institution on important issues for the citizen.

“My feeling is that the institution is progressing steadily, with the right steps”, he said.

Diamandouros briefed Savvidou on the progress of activities of the European Ombudsman, particularly in relation to the protection of citizens` rights, the protection of the right of access to information and documents and generally on creating a protective shield for the citizens on a European level.

The Cypriot Ombudswoman referred to the increase of the competences of the institution, saying that there’s a need for more staff after work has increased significantly.

Diamandouros has also met with the Attorney General Petros Clerides and was received by President Demetris Christofias.

Τhe level of Cyprus’ public administration is above the European average said European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros after meeting with Cypriot Ombudswoman Eliza Savvidou during his visit to Cyprus on the occasion of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council